Although MRI’s and CT-scans of the temporomandibular joints were considered the “gold standard” for TMJoint imagery years ago, Tomography of the temporomandibular joints is currently considered by virtually all experts in the field today as the essential diagnostic protocol in the treatment of TMD.  I was unable to obtain tomography of diagnostic quality anywhere on the Islands. To rectify this situation, I have installed modern computerized equipment capable of taking virtually all head and neck imagery, including TMJoint tomograms.

HEAD & NECK SECTOGRAPHY:
All varieties of head and neck x-rays, including sinus studies, cervical studies, etc., all of which can be repeated in future with the patient in exactly the same position to determine changes occurring as a result of treatment, non-treatment, further trauma, etc.

TOMOGRAPHY:
Tomography provides clinicians with layered views, cuts or slices of anatomical structures.  These underlying tissues are usually obscured when using conventional x-rays because of the superimposition of more superficial tissues. In addition, the advantage of a “corrected cut” is the accuracy of the subject anatomy, without artifacts, and its reproducibility before, during and after treatment.

TMJOINT TOMOGRAPHY yields a tremendous amount of even subclinical information about the fossa/condylar relationship and the integrity of the TMJoint mechanism. (See Medical/Legal)

CORONAL TOMOGRAPHIC TRAUMA SERIES:
Developed by Dr. O’, this series of 6 coronal tomograms ascertains changes in the density profile of the condylar head at each site of soft tissue attachment to the mandibular condyle, thus irrefutably referencing the presence or absence of trauma-induced tissue injury to the TMJoints. For Dr. O’s published papers on this subject, link to www.dro-tmjorthoexpert.com.  For additional information, see Medical/Legal.